So, I have temporary possession of an F330 XDCamHD camera. After downloading XDCam Browser and FAM drivers, I see the camera just fine, and AVID even thoughtfully auto-imports a bin full of AMA clips for me.

However; I can't follow the recommended workflow for importing, because my import dialog box does not show the "XDCam" button. I can manually find the camera and import off the disc using the taskbar, but I'm worried that this will result in either inferior video quality, or editing troubles down the line if I have to re-link, or export the project by way of transcode or consolidation. I have had such issues with bringing in XDCam EX video before.

Any idea why the AVID software isn't giving me the XDCam tab for importing?

AMA in Avid is a different workflow than regular import. If you turn off AMA and reboot Avid then you will be able to follow a regular import workflow. ie you will see the XDCAM import tab.

Also, XDCAM HD is different than EX in that it does not have to rewrap the files. You can just import directly from Avid without using Clipbrowser.

Bob: thanks for the info!

In your experience, no downside at the end of the edit when getting the sequence back out of the system, when using direct import funneling XDCam HD straight into AVID, as opposed to going through XDCam Browser?

Bill,
XDCAM HD and XDCAM EX are different file systems. You do not need the Clipbrowser software for XDCAM HD disc files. Here is a link to workflow.

Sony | Micro Site XDCAM (http://pro.sony.com/bbsc/ssr/micro-xdcam/resource.demos.bbsccms-assets-micro-hdtapelessworkflow-solutions-XDCAMWorkflowAssets.shtml)

You can import directly from the disc into Avid. Depending on the version of Avid that you are using you can edit the native files or transcode to DNXHD for heavy effects editing needs.

Did turning off AMA give you access to the XDCAM import tab?

Bob: sorry for the delay. Stoopid paying shoots sometimes get in the way of sitting endlessly in front of the NLE.

You are spot on. Killed AMA, rebooted, and automatic tab for XDCam import arrives like magic. Brilliant!

Also tried the consolidate function (which reared its ugly head for EX video) No problems at all. Thanks for your help.